Understanding English - Easy Pool Tutor

English or Sidespin is an advanced technique in billiards. I would advise newer players not to use english until they have a good understanding and enough experience with the basic (no side spin) shots like stop (center ball hit), draw (under spin), and follow (top spin).

English makes the process of aiming a little more difficult because of the effects of curve and throw. I will discuss these terms next. First, take a look at the different ways you can hit the cue ball to apply english or sidespin(see illustration below).

As you can see from the illustration above, you can apply english or sidespin in a number of ways. You can hit the cue ball on the left side which is normally called LEFT english or you can hit the cue ball on the right side normally called RIGHT ENGLISH. You can also apply the stop (center ball hit), draw (below center hit) or follow (above center hit) with english. English applied with draw is normally called low english while english applied with follow is called high english.